Pain isn't always relatable. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Pain is relative.

When people openly criticize me for training in not-so-ideal conditions, it doesn't bother me until it becomes personal. First, I'm not the only "crazy" out there who does this. Second, if you're in a race and it starts raining, are you gonna bail? Probably not, but if you've trained in the worst conditions, it won't phase you come race day if the weather decides to take a turn.

If in the middle of my ride it starts to rain or snow in tolerable conditions, I'm going to keep riding. Riding in cold temps or cold rain isn't sh*t to me because that's not real pain. Having grown up in an abusive home, exercise in any form was and is my saving grace. When I choose to put on those running shoes or kit up for a ride, just simply being able to breathe fresh air is a gift.

Tell me I'm crazy, tell me I have no common sense because in your world I should be riding on a trainer, call me stupid, tell me whatever you want. All of that pales in comparison to getting beat by your own father and drugged up brother, or your own mother telling you to die straight to your face when you're just a little girl. Go ahead. Tell me.

I'm lucky to be where I am today. My brother's life turned for the worse once my father decided to beat him with a baseball bat. I remember always feeling so sorry for him because he decided to take the wrong path. In a way, I thank him because he showed me what I didn't want to become. To this day, he has no quality of life, no sense of reality, and I'd be surprised if he knew what day it was. Pain is relative.

I've moved on, have forgiven my family, and have grown into a decent young woman with ambitions in life. I'm not bedridden, I'm not fighting cancer, I'm healthy...and I'm taking advantage of it. Life is great. Let me live it my way.

Wow. I'm a bit stymied and find words hard to come by after reading this. To suffer abuse by family members is a terrible, horrible thing. In a place where a child should feel safe, it must be unspeakable . . . and yet, here you speak. You have incredible physical abilities, but I find your ability to forgive an even greater strength. Ride on and be well!!